Subaru Engined kit car

Discussion in 'The Welcome Mat' started by thebionicman, Jun 21, 2010.

  1. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    I am working on a mid engine, exocar that is going to be powered by a JDM STi V5 RA motor and transmission. Its going to have the locking nut on the output shaft to put all the power to the front axles (soon to be back).

    My biggest concern is getting the engine tuned for our gas. I should of looked at that a little bit more before I bought the engine. I just couldn't beat the hp/$ ratio, should of figured there was more to it.

    Hi to everybody. I'll probably start a build thread as more parts come in.

    In the mean time if anybody can help me out with what I should do for tuning, I would greatly appreciate any advise.
     
  2. chris-04wrx
    Offline

    chris-04wrx Active Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    91
    Sounds like a cool project, but what do you mean by "tuned for our gas"??
     
  3. Nuke
    Offline

    Nuke Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    814
    Trophy Points:
    348
    you can toss in 91-93 and be fine. many have done it without issues.

    what engine management are you looking at?
     
  4. thunderdan1313
    Offline

    thunderdan1313 New Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    yes like nuke said 93oct. gas will work just fine
     
  5. LASERBLUE135
    Offline

    LASERBLUE135 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    243
    Trophy Points:
    248
    you should look into a kit for a Porsche 914. Its a really nice setup and its been done before so you get help with the inevitable trouble shooting issues.
     
  6. HiImBrian
    Offline

    HiImBrian Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    26
    I thought that gas in japan was like 95 or 96 octain. If this is the case I probably wouldn't wanna risk a nice build by running 91. Just my 2 cents. Getting the car tuned will get you those extra few ponies anyways.
     
  7. LEGGY_WARRIOR13
    Offline

    LEGGY_WARRIOR13 New Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    In Japan they use RON (Research Octane Number) so they actually have 100, but it is RON*0.95=AKI (US Measure) A 98 RON gas in Japan is a 93 Octane here, roughly. Did a little more digging and I've found a couple of formulas for it but all of them are close to the one I posted.

    Sent from my Droid
     
  8. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    I have been doing a lot of research on the 914 swaps. This is going to be the same basic setup using the "Subaspool". The engine is at the frame builder to make sure the mounts work. The frame will be availabe to run either a Subaru drivetrain or a 914 drivetrain. Figured I would just go big right off the bat, should be fun in a car that weights 1300 pounds!
     
  9. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    It seems like some people say you can't, other say you can. I am not sure for engine management. It looks like Link, Ecutek or Power FC are the only ones available for the V5.

    Any thoughts?
     
  10. Nuke
    Offline

    Nuke Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    814
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Friend ran his v6 stock on MN's gas for a while, had no issues.
     
  11. TheSnowman
    Offline

    TheSnowman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    12
    Trophy Points:
    123
    welcome, looking forward to your build thread
     
  12. stoooo
    Offline

    stoooo Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    18
    Trophy Points:
    123
    I own a JDM v6 STi Type-RA, and we happen to get 100 octane petrol where I live, so my car is happy. I know a lot of guys who import these cars into the UK, where they get mainly 98 or 99 octane. While they're just tooling around town, this doesn't cause any issues, but when they start to really push the car into higher boost and higher revs, they start to see problems with detonation. The answer *is* tuning whatever ECU you use to the fuel available. Even if you get an OEM v5/v6 ECU, they can be flashed with EcuTek software. While the PowerFC has many fans, a lot of owners are selling those on so they can buy a Simtek ECU.
     
  13. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    A new pic of the prototype frame being built.
    [​IMG]
     
    EricS likes this.
  14. dustin8511
    Offline

    dustin8511 Member

    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Thats so sweet!
     
  15. turbo_turtle
    Offline

    turbo_turtle Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    101
    Cool! Reminds me of the Arial Atom.

    ~Dan
     
  16. AWDimprezaL
    Offline

    AWDimprezaL has more posts than you

    Likes Received:
    1,818
    Trophy Points:
    573
    The subaru engine is a fantastic idea, but the power VS weight VS $$$ ratio win easily goes to the LS series V8. A fully dressed LSX weighs as much as a subaru motor. Just sayin....
     
  17. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    I agree, but the Subaru engine has the weight in a much lower location and it was very easy to package into a mid engine application. LS motors require some big dollar transmission for mid engine application.
     
  18. AWDimprezaL
    Offline

    AWDimprezaL has more posts than you

    Likes Received:
    1,818
    Trophy Points:
    573
    Word, I forgot about that! Carry on!
     
  19. TSTRBOY2004
    Offline

    TSTRBOY2004 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    403
    Trophy Points:
    393
    you got any plans?? this is soooo something I plan to build in the next few years... just need to finish my tubing/cage bender off adn buy a few die sets to suit the tubing sizes I want...

    very sweet
     
  20. PHATsuby
    Offline

    PHATsuby Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    12
    Trophy Points:
    203
    You could put wrx crank and cam pulleys on the motor and run it with a WRX ecu which you can then either open ecu tune or run an accessport if you wanted as well.

    This is sick, is that your own frame design or is it based on the Ariel Atom? I would love to see this thing some time. :)

    Ben
     
  21. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    Been a little while since an update. My frame is on the build table with the Subaru motor. Got most of the parts secured for the conversion over to the WRX ECM, just need an ECM and harness.
    Prototype roller
    [​IMG]
    Getting the mounts for the Subaru motor
    [​IMG]
    Jigged up with the Subaru motor
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    EricS likes this.
  22. TSTRBOY2004
    Offline

    TSTRBOY2004 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    403
    Trophy Points:
    393
    I feel faint.. sudden blood rush away from one area to another....
     
    mtnbykr likes this.
  23. readymix
    Offline

    readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    2,883
    Trophy Points:
    473
    Agreed. This is the kind of fresh idea/build I like to see.
     
  24. readymix
    Offline

    readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    2,883
    Trophy Points:
    473
    Also, I'm sure you aren't dumb, but I'll throw this out there anyway. I know the Saker SVS/SV1 uses a similar layout for the engine (mid engine boxer, uses subaru transmission for RWD) and they use a block off plate for the center diff section of the transmission.

    My suggestion would be to do the same, block the center differential off and get a decent subaru front diff to drive your rear wheels.
     
  25. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    I have the locking sleeve from Bremer/Saker in my garage. This engine/transmission is from a Sti V5 RA, it has the front limited slip in it. We are definately on the same page!
     
  26. idget
    Offline

    idget Want to pokéman? PM ShortytheFirefighter Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    4,334
    Trophy Points:
    398
    giggity. That's an awesome looking work space as well.
     
  27. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    I wish it was my work space!! This is at the frame manufactures place.
     
  28. zyklon
    Offline

    zyklon Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    203
    Wow awesome project. Keep us posted!
     
  29. curly2k3
    Offline

    curly2k3 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,140
    Trophy Points:
    473
    I like this build, a lot.
     
  30. dustin8511
    Offline

    dustin8511 Member

    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    28
    WOW...still love this project. Thanks for the update. Looking forword to seeing some more progress down the road! Great work!
     
  31. readymix
    Offline

    readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    2,883
    Trophy Points:
    473
    [​IMG]
     
  32. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    Some more updates. I will be going to pick up the frame in late April.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  33. readymix
    Offline

    readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member

    Likes Received:
    2,883
    Trophy Points:
    473
    I'll say it again, dude. Awesome project. I'm envious. I dream of doing a tube frame fabbed car. Outstanding job. I'd love to see it in person at some point, while it's still bare and "non road worthy"
     
  34. burtonboy00
    Offline

    burtonboy00 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    47
    Trophy Points:
    113
    blaaaa, just drooled a lot! also in serious need of new pants
     
  35. mke723
    Offline

    mke723 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    113
    this looks awesome, how much power are you tuning for? 300hp-ish? is it going to stay open tube frame, or are u planning some sleek body panels?
     
  36. babiker712
    Offline

    babiker712 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    67
    Trophy Points:
    213
    where'd the pics go?
     
  37. curly2k3
    Offline

    curly2k3 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    1,140
    Trophy Points:
    473
    I still want one of these in my life.
     
  38. unhguy78
    Offline

    unhguy78 Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    46
    Trophy Points:
    213
    ok that's like one of the sickest things I've seen!
     
  39. BugIedIzzy
    Offline

    BugIedIzzy Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    103
    im actually planning on doing a "miniru" a 1980 auston mini well that's what the outside looks like insides all tube frame. across the pond they call them z-cars, but im still working on my motor :-(
     
  40. Tash
    Offline

    Tash Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    775
    Trophy Points:
    198
    you cant do that! your only allowed 1 project car! lol
     
  41. Tash
    Offline

    Tash Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    775
    Trophy Points:
    198
    i was just wondering how yoou are going to hook up the shifter to the backend where it would normally be hooked up to.
     
  42. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    I could probably arrange that. Probably the last week of April.

    I am going to tune for about 300 ish. Should be pretty crazy with that. There is another guy getting one in Georgia that is going all out on the engine. You can see the thead on NASIOC in the conversions. There is also some pics of the first one with the body panels on it.

    I will be using a MR2 shifter then adding push pull cables and some mounts to convert the transmission to a cable shift.

    I still can't believe I am actually getting this thing!
     
  43. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    Some pics of the prototype with the Type 4 motor in it.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    EricS likes this.
  44. thebionicman
    Offline

    thebionicman Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    28
    Trophy Points:
    203
    Builder had to adjust the down supports to fit the intercooler.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  45. Tash
    Offline

    Tash Well-Known Member

    Likes Received:
    775
    Trophy Points:
    198
    so im guessing your going to run some sort of scoop to run between the headrests? i think that would look pretty sick